Chapter Leader Profile: Jim Grimes, CFE
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Jim Grimes, CFE
Jim Grimes has served on the board of the St. Louis Area Chapter since its inception in 2003. He has served in several capacities, including three terms as president (2005-2007, 2009-2011 and current). The St. Louis native is also a partner in Business Advisory Services at RubinBrown LLP.
Why did you decide to enter the anti-fraud field?
I entered the anti-fraud field working in Loss Prevention with J.C. Penney Corporation in 1984, and I was involved in conducting numerous fraud investigations throughout my 15-year career there. I ultimately worked in an internal audit role at J.C. Penney, ensuring the company had the appropriate controls in place to minimize fraud risks. The anti-fraud field continued to be a key interest as I worked in internal audit roles at Smurfit-Stone Container and Anheuser-Busch. The field has always been very important to me. I am passionate about helping companies learn about fraud and investigating fraud when they have the unfortunate reality of an employee stealing from them. I am continuing this passion as a partner at RubinBrown.
What do you consider your greatest achievement to date?
My greatest achievement to date is seeing my daughter, Jessica recently graduate from college with her degree in accounting and follow in my foot steps to a career in internal audit with a real interest in pursuing a career in fraud and forensics.
What are your favorite activities and hobbies outside of work?
My wife, Margie and I really enjoy going to St. Louis Cardinals baseball games. I want to begin playing more golf and traveling the world.
How has the CFE benefited your career?
The CFE has greatly benefited my career because it’s a credential that shows the level of expertise I have in fraud prevention and detection. Employers and clients can be assured I have the needed skill set to help them when fraud or internal control expertise is needed.
What are the benefits of serving as a chapter leader?
The greatest benefit I have received from being a chapter leader for the past 10 years is the friendships and contacts I have made with so many professionals who share my passion for prevention and detection of fraud.
What goals would you like to help the chapter accomplish?
I would like our Greater St. Louis Area Chapter to continue to grow and offer professionals great avenues for networking and training opportunities that will not only help their careers, but also help their companies or organizations address fraud risks.
Do you have any advice for other chapter leaders?
Stay active and take advantage of every opportunity to share the benefits of the ACFE to more and more professionals.
What is your personal motto? Does it have any special meaning?
My personal motto is to help as many people as I can achieve their goals first, and I will then achieve my goals. I value the impact I can have on young professionals starting their careers and feel that’s the best mark we can leave in our career.
